National Black Business Month: An Interview with Artprenuer King Saladeen
Black businesses have long contributed to the thriving economic ecosystem of Philadelphia, and some might even say they are its very backbone. The resilience and endurance of Black entrepreneurs continue to resonate today, providing landmarks and mainstays for generations. These include Hakim’s Bookstore, founded in 1959 as the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the nation and now designated as a historic site; The Philadelphia Tribune newspaper, established in 1884 by Christopher J. Perry; and Paul Beale’s Flowers, a multigenerational floral shop spanning over five decades, among others.
In celebration of National Black Business Month this August, we honor the ingenuity, innovation, artistry, and legacy of Black-owned businesses right here in Philadelphia. This month, we are excited to feature artpreneur and philanthropist King Saladeen, founder of Create Motivate Inspire (CMI)!
King Saladeen, born Raheem Saladeen Johnson, is a contemporary artist celebrated for his bold, expressive works that fuse abstract forms with a pop-infused visual language. He hails from West Philadelphia, and his work often explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and self-expression. Beyond his artistic practice, King Saladeen is recognized for his collaborations with luxury brands and his commitment to community engagement.
Recently, King Saladeen teamed up with Mural Arts to create his mural, Brotherly Love, at 6th and Spring Garden Streets. His large mural, Dream Big, is currently on display at Eakins Oval, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. King Saladeen received the Arts and Crafts Visionary Artist Award at Mural Arts’ 2025 Wall Ball. Check out what he has to say regarding his remarkable journey in scaling his talent into a thriving business as a full-time artist!
Can you speak more about the Saladeen Art Group that you launched in 2011 and its inception and goals?
Back in 2011, I was trying to figure it out. I didn’t know the art world, but I knew I had something different. Saladeen Art Group started as a vision—to create opportunities through art. The goal was simple: take this talent and make it a movement. It wasn’t just about painting; it was about business, branding, and inspiring the people where I’m from. I wanted to show that you could turn creativity into a real career, even if you come from nothing.
By 2014, I knew the vision had grown, so I rebranded to Create Motivate Inspire (CMI). That wasn’t just a name change—it became the core of everything I do. It’s not just about art anymore; it’s about motivating people to chase their dreams and building something bigger than me.
What does it look like to build a brand as an artist? What advice would you give to those looking to scale their artistic talent into a thriving business?
Building a brand as an artist means you’re not just selling art—you’re selling a story, a lifestyle, a message. People gotta feel you before they even see the canvas. My advice? Be authentic. Don’t try to fit into the gallery box if that’s not you. Own your style, protect your name, and create multiple streams. The art is the foundation, but the brand makes it last.
How do you continue to fuel your passion creatively, separate from the hustle? Do you compartmentalize the two?
It’s tough because the hustle never stops, but I make sure to keep a piece of it just for me. No deadlines, no clients—just creating because I love it. That’s what keeps the passion alive. The business side can drain you if you let it, so I check out sometimes, turn on some music, and paint like nobody’s watching.
Can you recall the moment that you decided to move forward completely in your practice as a full-time artist?
Yeah, I remember. I was sitting in a job that didn’t make me happy, and I just thought, “If I put this same energy into my art, I could really do something.” I had nothing guaranteed, no big checks coming, but I believed in myself. I quit and never looked back. That was the moment I bet on me—and that’s when everything changed.
Talk about a favorite project of yours that you recently engaged in this year.
The Brotherly Love mural is definitely a favorite. It’s right in the heart of Philly, and it’s more than art—it’s a message. That wall speaks to everybody who comes through the city. I love projects like that because they last. Kids can walk past that for years and feel inspired. That’s what this is about.
How does your upbringing in West Philadelphia inform the way that you engage your art practice?
West Philly made me who I am. Growing up there taught me resilience and hustle. Everything was about making something out of nothing, and that’s what my art represents. Bright colors, energy, life—it all comes from a place that wasn’t always easy, but it taught me to dream big. I want my art to show kids from my neighborhood that their circumstances don’t define them.
What has grounded you in the various pivots of your artistic journey (from a clothing designer, working at a youth center, painting murals, etc.)?
My purpose. Every pivot was just another way to express myself and make a positive impact on people. Whether it was clothes, murals, or working with kids, the goal was always the same: Create. Motivate. Inspire. That’s what keeps me grounded. The lanes change, but the mission never does.
How has working with the youth from the city impacted your journey?
It keeps me humble and hungry. When I see those kids, I see myself. That’s why I go so hard, because I know they’re watching. If they see me make it out and do something positive, then they know it’s possible for them too. They give me just as much motivation as I give them.
